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Known as “Mexican hyssop” or “Anise hyssop,” Agastache brings a refreshing scent of sweet licorice to the sunny border. Gardeners love how it attracts butterflies, honeybees and, yes, hummingbirds. In fact, “hummingbird mint” is another nickname for this sturdy, North American-native genus.Another plus: Once established, Agastache handles drought with aplomb. New to our assortment this year are two varieties from renowned breeder Hans Hansen. Make room for them in your 2022 offering, and you’ll

Back in 1997, Emerald Coast Growers was just six years old. Bill Clinton was in the White House. A new Honda Civic sold for $10,000. The Marlins beat the Indians in the World Series, the Packers whupped the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, and Princess Diana went for her last car ride in Paris. Au revoir, England’s Rose.But the big news that year? The Perennial Plant Association chose Salvia May Night as its Perennial Plant of the Year. All other phenomena are just fighting for silver.May

Hakonechloa macraMost ornamental grasses thrive in full sun. But most gardens have areas the sun just can’t find. Must those places remain grassless? Fortunately, no!The shaded landscape can also employ and enjoy the graceful form and movement that only grasses bring. The go-to genus: Hakonechloa, Japanese forest grass.This sinuous beauty grows as water flows, welling up and cascading down in supple layers of pendant, bamboo-like leaves. It’s happiest in shade, dappled or full. Northern growers

Isn’t that an oxymoron? Not when it’s…Lobelia cardinalis ‘Black Truffle’ PP25687Truly red flowers are a rare commodity in the perennial market. Lobelia cardinalis is one of those rarities, with brilliant red, red blooms. And ‘Black Truffle’ brings a head-turning look to the species with rich, deep, dark foliage.New leaves emerge glossy black, maturing to shiny maroon. The beautiful bright red blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, contrast dazzlingly with the luscious foliage, and make a l

Known variously as creeping phlox or moss phlox, early-flowering Phlox subulata is a welcome harbinger of spring. Its cheerful blooms blanket slopes and spill over walls.It might be hard to think spring, or plan for it, when autumn chores beckon. But this really is the time to do so.Planted in fall, P. subulata has lots of time to form a vigorous root mass. Soon, cold nights and short days will shut down vegetative growth. That tough evergreen foliage will hunker down and wait patiently. Sleep t